In response to the latest advice from experts, the Government today (June 17) called on people aged 18 to 59 to pay attention to the extension of the time interval between the first and the second doses of the BioNTech vaccine from three weeks to eight weeks. Starting from 9am on June 22 (Wednesday), relevant persons can select an appointment time slot which is eight weeks after they have received their first dose of the BioNTech vaccine at the booking system of the designated website for the COVID-19 Vaccination Programme.
      
     A Government spokesman said that for members of the public who have made an appointment for receiving their second dose of the BioNTech vaccine, they can cancel their booking first or change the reserved time slot via the designated website later, and make an appointment for receiving their second dose at a time slot eight weeks after they have received their first dose of the BioNTech vaccine.
      
     For individuals with special needs, under informed consent after consideration of individual risk and benefit, they can choose to shorten the dosing interval and receive their second dose of the BioNTech vaccine in no less than three weeks from their first dose.
      
     The Scientific Committee on Vaccine Preventable Diseases and the Scientific Committee on Emerging and Zoonotic Diseases under the Centre for Health Protection of the Department of Health has updated the consensus interim recommendations for COVID-19 vaccination in Hong Kong and the relevant information are available in the following press release: www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202206/17/P2022061700456.htm. The experts reviewed the situation of myocarditis following the use of the BioNTech vaccine and noted more evidence suggesting a longer dosing interval between the first and second doses of the BioNTech vaccine would result in better immune response and lower risk of myocarditis and/or pericarditis.
      
     The above arrangement is only applicable to persons aged 18 to 59 who will receive their second dose of the BioNTech vaccine. The recommendations on the time for receiving vaccination for persons from other age groups and recovered persons remain unchanged.
      
     The designated website for the COVID-19 Vaccination Programme (www.covidvaccine.gov.hk/en/programme) provides the latest information including details on vaccination venues, reservation and enquiry hotlines.

Ends/Friday, June 17, 2022
Issued at HKT 20:17

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